2nd string QB

crimsonk

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Jul 11, 2007
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I realize that JPW is probably going to be our starting QB, but who do you think will be the 2nd string quarterback or is there any competition for it at all. I would think McElroy will probably be the 2nd stringer but for the ones who have seen the team practice is Fannuzi or any other qb good enough to be behind JPW? Give me your opinion on this matter. :cool:
 
From everything I've heard, McElroy 2nd then Fanuzzi 3rd. Fanuzzi has alot of growing/learning to do. McElroy has been in the system a year and should be a good backup to JPW.
 
I'm with Earle. McElroy should be #2 just because of more experience in the program but Fannuzi is looking good which is a good thing. I can remember when even #2 was the kiss of death.
 
I'm prone to believe that the staff would like to redshirt Fanuzzi... but I say it with some reservation because of two things. One, the progess of McElroy... two, the success (or lack of it) on the recruiting trail early this fall. Supposing we add Jackson and an early commitment from McCarron, I tend to think CNS might make his decision based more on "potential" than "current ability." With this reasoning, however, I must add that in Saban's program, the decision of the backup is less important than in Shula's program... because it seems CNS gets more reps for ALL players than just for a privileged few.
 
I'm prone to believe that the staff would like to redshirt Fanuzzi... but I say it with some reservation because of two things. One, the progess of McElroy... two, the success (or lack of it) on the recruiting trail early this fall. Supposing we add Jackson and an early commitment from McCarron, I tend to think CNS might make his decision based more on "potential" than "current ability." With this reasoning, however, I must add that in Saban's program, the decision of the backup is less important than in Shula's program... because it seems CNS gets more reps for ALL players than just for a privileged few.

I was curious whether Fanuzzi would redshirt or not. I assumed if JPW stays healthy that Fanuzzi would be redshirted, but your comments shed a lot more light on the situation. I'm very excited about Fanuzzi. He looks great in all of his film and he will only get better with CMA's guidance. It will be interesting to see who wins the battle for the starting role next season and it is shaping up to be a good one. :)
 
Is McElroy's progress stagnating a bit?
You know, I don't think it's necessarily about his progress stagnating as much as it may be a combination of his physical limitations coupled with Fanuzzi's ceiling. IMO (and I hasten to say it's my opinion), McElroy's doesn't have the arm that Fanuzzi has... but it's fairly safe to say that he's ahead of Fanuzzi in the mental aspect of Saban's system. If (and that's a big if) Fanuzzi can pick up the mental aspect quickly, there's a possibility that he could at least draw into a dead heat with GM by the end of camp.

If that were to happen, I believe Fanuzzi gets the nod... because of the level of potential AND the fact that I don't think we're going to be having any kind of shortage of talent at the QB position IF Jackson/McCarron come aboard. In fact, the more interesting question for me would be who (out of that crowd) would become the starter after JPW's eligibility is up.

Disclaimer: In all of this discussion, I will note the fact that there's one thing that we cannot measure... desire and heart. The only thing we can see is a player's talent level and ability... and people like Major Applewhite overcame physical limitations and thrived because of that "non-measureable."
 
Thanks for the info. It sounds like Fanuzzi isn't quite as unpolished as reports from back in Feb. That's good news because Lord help us if JPW gets hurt.
 
Disclaimer: In all of this discussion, I will note the fact that there's one thing that we cannot measure... desire and heart. The only thing we can see is a player's talent level and ability... and people like Major Applewhite overcame physical limitations and thrived because of that "non-measureable."

If it were only the physical limitations for McElroy we wouldn't be hearing questions about his progress, would we? I mean, if it were weak armed Chad Pennington in camp we wouldn't be hearing about Fanuzzi pushing him would we? Just curious what the deal is.
 
Thanks for the info. It sounds like Fanuzzi isn't quite as unpolished as reports from back in Feb. That's good news because Lord help us if JPW gets hurt.

I know RTO has mentioned this before, but Fanuzzi made big strides between his junior and senior years as a QB, and it sounds as if those strides are continuing thus far in his young collegiate career which is certainly very good to hear.
 
I wouldnt be surprised to see Fanuzzi redshirt this year and eventually become the starter once JPW moves on. Someone mentioned that McElroy has the advantage of being in the system longer, but remember, everyone is new to the Saban system. There is no advantage. For some reason, I get the feeling that Saban will have some bias towards his own recruits. And if we get Star Jackson, I really see McElroy falling to the bottom of the depth chart and the top spot being fought for by Fanuzzi and Jackson in 2009.
 
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I wouldnt be surprised to see Fanuzzi redshirt this year and eventually become the starter once JPW moves on. Someone mentioned that McElroy has the advantage of being in the system longer, but remember, everyone is new to the Saban system. There is no advantage. For some reason, I get the feeling that Saban will have some bias towards his own recruits. And if we get Star Jackson, I really see McElroy falling to the bottom of the depth chart and the top spot being fought for by Fanuzzi and Jackson in 2009.

Well, McElroy does have slightly more experience in Saban's system, as he was here at Spring.
 
I wouldn't be writing off GM just yet. He may not be able to scramble like Pat White or throw a ball through a brick wall like Elway but one thing that has been consistent when people talk about GM and that's his mental grasp of the game and his study habits. He works very hard at studying the game. Not making mental mistakes can be just as or sometimes more important than having the physical ability to make a big play.
 
If it were only the physical limitations for McElroy we wouldn't be hearing questions about his progress, would we? I mean, if it were weak armed Chad Pennington in camp we wouldn't be hearing about Fanuzzi pushing him would we? Just curious what the deal is.

Are you refering to Spencer Pennington? Just curious because I make that mistake sometimes too. Of course, I wouldn't mind having Chad Pennington back from his days at Marshall.
 
Are you refering to Spencer Pennington? Just curious because I make that mistake sometimes too. Of course, I wouldn't mind having Chad Pennington back from his days at Marshall.

I bet Spencer has a lot stronger arm than Chad! :)
I meant Chad because he has a weak arm but is a terrific quarterback, so I'm wondering if there is something else besides a not so strong arm that is holding GME back.
 
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